Excitement over #DCMOOC - Kicking off a Massive Open Online Course on Digital Citizenship

As part of my work on Saskatchewan's Action Plan to Address Bullying and Cyberbullying, I have been charged with leading the implementation of the recommendations related to the digital side of bullying, specifically how to ensure our students learn how to behave appropriately and responsibly online. The following slides from a recent presentation outline the sections of the action plan that pertain to this:

 

One part of this work is helping to ensure all educators in the province are supported with the professional development they need to teach digital citizenship.  As part of this plan, I have been lucky enough to work with Dr. Alec Couros and Katia Hildebrandt from the University of Regina in the development and delivery of #DCMOOC. 

This Massive Open Online Course on Digital Citizenship helps to ensure equal access to all educators in the province. Being limited in time and budget, delivering this professional development opportunity online allows anyone who is interested in this topic the opportunity to learn on this own time, to the degree and depth that interests them the most. Participants either have the chance to participate in a synchronous scenario by attending the sessions "live" at their scheduled time or at a time that is convenient for them through an a-synchronous version where they watch archived sessions.

To better understand what a MOOC is, watch this video by Dave Cormier: What is a MOOC?



We first shared publicly that this professional opportunity would be offered during a presentation  on April 1st. By the time DCMOOC started on May 11th, we had over 800 people registered. Here is an infographic to learn more about who has signed up so far to participate in #DCMOOC:

over 850 participants | Create Infographics

As we kick off the first week of #DCMOOC, I am excited to learn from the community that has gathered to discuss this important topic. Thanks to everyone who signed up and who are taking the time to contribute to the learning community. Everyone's contribution is important.